1. Essential Permits for Environmental Clearance
To initiate the environmental clearance process, project proponents must obtain the following permits and approvals
- Environmental Clearance (EC): Mandatory for projects listed under the EIA Notification 2006, such as mining, infrastructure, and thermal power plants. Category A projects require clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), while Category B projects are handled by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA).
- Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO): Issued by the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) under the Water and Air Acts, these consents are necessary before starting construction and operations, respectively.
- Forest Clearance: Required if the project involves diversion of forest land, as per the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
- Wildlife Clearance: Needed if the project is located near protected areas, under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Clearance: Applicable for projects in coastal areas, as per the CRZ Notification under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. Documentation and Compliance Requirements
The environmental clearance process necessitates comprehensive documentation to assess the project’s potential environmental impact:
- Form 1 and Form 1A: Application forms detailing project information and environmental aspects.
- Pre-Feasibility Report: Provides an overview of the project’s technical and economic viability
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report: A detailed study analyzing potential environmental effects and mitigation measures.
- Terms of Reference (ToR): Guidelines issued by the appraisal committee outlining the scope of the EIA study
- Public Consultation Reports: Records of public hearings and feedback, ensuring community involvement in the decision-making process.
These documents are critical for the appraisal committees to evaluate the project’s environmental implications thoroughly.
3. Regulatory Authorities and Oversight
Several regulatory bodies oversee the environmental clearance process to ensure compliance with environmental laws:
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC): The central authority responsible for Category A projects and policy formulation
- State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA): Handles Category B projects at the state level
- Expert Appraisal Committees (EACs): Provide technical evaluations and recommendations for project approvals.
- State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs): Issue CTE and CTO, and monitor compliance with pollution control norms.
Engaging with these authorities throughout the project lifecycle is essential to ensure adherence to environmental regulations and to facilitate a smooth clearance process.